The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its investigation into the 2021 murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker Abhijit Sarkar, a case stemming from the post-poll violence that rocked West Bengal. In the latest development, on April 10, 2025, the CBI apprehended Amit Das, a key suspect in the Sarkar murder case in Narkeldanga.
Das, who had been working as a food delivery agent in the Kestopur-New Town area, was presented before Special Court Judge Rohan Sinha on Wednesday. The judge remanded him to judicial custody until April 21. The arrest of Das marks the 13th arrest made in connection to the high-profile case. However, the CBI continues its search for the remaining seven suspects who are still at large and are subject to non-bailable arrest warrants. The CBI's special crime branch had previously announced a reward of ₹50,000 for any information that leads to the capture of each fugitive.
Abhijit Sarkar's murder occurred on May 2, 2021, the day the results of the West Bengal State Assembly elections were announced. A mob allegedly attacked a BJP party office located on Sitalatalla Lane in the Narkeldanga area. According to sources within the CBI, Sarkar was present at the party office, watching the election results when the office was attacked and vandalized. He was brutally beaten after being dragged from his home.
The case was initially investigated by the Kolkata Police following a complaint lodged by Biswajit Sarkar, Abhijit's brother. Dissatisfied with the progress and findings of the local police investigation, the family decided to approach the Calcutta High Court, which subsequently ordered the transfer of the case to the CBI.
To date, the central agency has filed a charge sheet against 12 individuals in connection with the murder. Eight others have been listed as fugitives. Following a directive from the High Court, the case was moved from the Sealdah court to the Kolkata Bichar Bhawan.
The victim's family lawyer, Shubhendu Saha, has confirmed that the testimony of Sarkar's mother, who is the first witness in the case, is ongoing. However, her testimony remains incomplete due to her ongoing illness. The court has granted the CBI permission to interrogate Amit Das while he is in custody, as the investigation is still underway. The CBI has stated that it is actively working to track down the remaining seven accused individuals involved in this case.
